Gas vs Electric Car Cost Calculator
Side-by-side running cost and break-even mileage.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Annual saving with the EV
- $851.43
- Gas cost per mile
- $0.12
- EV cost per mile
- $0.05
- Gas cost per year
- $1,400.00
- EV cost per year
- $548.57
- Break-even
- 7 years (84,564 miles)
Quick answer
Compare cost per mile for both cars, then divide the price difference by the annual saving to find the break-even point.
Break-even years = price gap ÷ annual saving
How to use the Gas vs Electric Car Cost Calculator
- 1Enter the gas car's real MPG and your local fuel price.
- 2Enter the EV's miles per kWh and your electricity rate.
- 3Add the extra purchase cost of the EV to see the break-even point.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Gas car MPG30 mpg
- Gas price3.50 $/gal
- EV efficiency3.5 mi/kWh
- Electricity price0.16 $/kWh
- Annual mileage12000 mi
- Extra purchase price of the EV6000 $
Results
- Annual saving with the EV$851.43
- Gas cost per mile$0.12
- EV cost per mile$0.05
- Gas cost per year$1,400.00
- EV cost per year$548.57
- Break-even7 years (84,564 miles)
Frequently asked questions
Does this include maintenance?
No — it compares energy only. EVs typically save a further $300–600 a year on oil changes, brakes and exhaust work.
What if I charge on public DC?
Public rapid charging often costs 2–3× home rates, which can erase the saving. Enter the blended rate you actually pay.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.